Last Updated on October 22, 2024
Two giants in the industry, Les Mills and adidas, have joined forces to redefine what fitness experiences can look like. Over the weekend of October 19-20, 2024, the two brands hosted an electrifying event, ‘LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN,’ at the legendary Kraftwerk venue. This ‘fitness rave’ aimed to blend the city’s iconic nightclub culture with cutting-edge fitness technology, immersive workouts, and high-energy performances. It wasn’t just an event; it was a vision for the future of fitness brought to life.
The Concept: Fitness Meets Nightlife
Berlin, known for its rich nightlife culture and techno scenes, was the perfect backdrop for the ‘fitness rave’ concept. LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN infused the city’s nightclub energy into a workout experience like no other. The event, in collaboration with adidas, drew in 3,000 fitness enthusiasts from across the globe, transforming Kraftwerk into a pulsating hub of music, movement, and innovation.
The event was more than just a workout; it was an immersive experience combining virtual reality, live music performances, and high-intensity group exercises. Guests were treated to performances by some of Berlin’s top musical talents, including Temry, Noah Slee, and Meg10. The electrifying atmosphere provided the perfect setting for attendees to connect through movement, music, and culture.
An Immersive Fitness Experience
The centerpiece of LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN was its immersive approach to fitness. The event showcased how technology can enhance workout experiences, making training sessions more interactive and engaging. A highlight was the VR workout session, which leveraged state-of-the-art technology to immerse participants in an entirely new dimension of exercise. Imagine stepping into a virtual world where your fitness journey is enhanced with visual and auditory stimulation, motivating you to push harder and perform better.
Additionally, the Playground and Recovery Rave areas offered a fresh take on recovery. Participants could shake off post-workout fatigue with music, movement, and relaxation techniques led by Les Mills’ world-class trainers. The goal was to create a space where recovery is not just about rest but an opportunity to rejuvenate and reset in an exciting way.
LES MILLS PILATES: A New Era in Fitness Training
A significant highlight of the event was the global unveiling of LES MILLS PILATES™. This new program is designed to enhance flexibility, core strength, and endurance. Mixing engaging choreography with hypnotic music, the 45-minute sessions guided participants through slow, controlled movements. The program draws on the latest exercise science, ensuring that it not only entertains but delivers tangible results.
Research conducted by experts at Canada’s University of the Fraser Valley found that LES MILLS PILATES™ participants saw a 61% increase in abdominal endurance in just eight weeks. For fitness enthusiasts looking to improve their core strength and mobility, this program promises to be a game-changer. Attendees at LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN were among the first in the world to experience the new program, making the event a milestone moment for the global Les Mills and adidas communities.
High-Performance Gear for High-Intensity Workouts
In addition to showcasing innovative workouts, adidas highlighted its latest high-performance gear at the event. Trainers and participants alike had the chance to try out adidas products, including the Dropset 3, a technical strength training shoe designed for maximum stability during high-intensity workouts. The shoe features a TPU sidewall and geoFit construction, specifically engineered to provide support during challenging exercises like the LES MILLS CEREMONY.
Another standout was the Optime apparel range, which focuses on comfort and flexibility. Powered by LYCRA SPORT technology, the collection offers a second-skin fit that adapts to various workout styles, including LES MILLS PILATES and LES MILLS SHAPES. The range highlights adidas’ commitment to providing apparel that supports fitness enthusiasts at every stage of their training journey.
Bringing Together Tech, Training, and Community
At its core, LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN was a celebration of community and connection. The event aimed to inspire and unite fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life, no matter where they are in their training journeys. By blending the best in technology, music, and high-performance gear, the event created a space where fitness feels accessible, exciting, and joyful.
A unique aspect of the event was the ‘Sunday Service’ performance led by Noah Slee and the Berlin-based choir A Song For You. This uplifting session offered a soulful, community-centered approach to fitness, showing how workouts can be more than physical exertion—they can be a source of emotional and social fulfillment.
The Power of Collaboration
Les Mills and adidas have been partners since January 2023, and LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN marked another significant milestone in their collaboration. Their partnership aims to push the boundaries of fitness experiences, making them more accessible and rewarding for training communities worldwide. Since the partnership’s inception, they have launched numerous high-energy group training events, introduced innovative new workouts, and built a global network of 1,000 Sponsored Athletes who represent the partnership’s vision.
Together, they have also pioneered the ‘Earn & Burn’ incentive program, allowing participants to earn rewards and adidas products by completing Les Mills workouts. By integrating fitness with tangible benefits, the brands aim to motivate people to engage in training, helping them feel both physically and mentally rewarded.
Expanding the LES MILLS LIVE Experience
LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN was part of a global tour, and the excitement doesn’t end here. Following Berlin, the tour will continue across Europe, stopping in cities like Madrid, Athens, and Cyprus before heading to Riyadh. Each event will bring the same energy, innovation, and community spirit, inviting fitness enthusiasts worldwide to experience the future of training firsthand.
The Les Mills brand, a leader in group fitness, offers over 25 programs like BODYPUMP™ and BODYCOMBAT™. These programs are available in 22,000 gyms globally, and through the LES MILLS+ Training App, making fitness accessible both digitally and in-person. The collaboration with adidas brings additional value to these programs, offering discounts and benefits to adiClub members. With every Les Mills workout, members can earn adiClub points, which are redeemable for rewards—creating a seamless link between fitness, technology, and lifestyle.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Fitness
Les Mills and adidas are not just creating events; they are shaping a vision for the future of fitness. Their approach combines the best of digital and in-person training to provide inclusive, engaging, and effective experiences for everyone. Whether it’s through innovative VR workouts, new fitness programs like LES MILLS PILATES™, or high-performance gear like the Dropset 3 and Optime apparel, they are committed to supporting athletes at every level.
The partnership between the two brands emphasizes a holistic view of fitness, integrating mental, physical, and social elements to create a well-rounded experience. By tapping into the energy of iconic locations like Kraftwerk and using them as platforms for transformative fitness experiences, Les Mills and adidas are ensuring that their vision reaches fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
The Brands Behind the Event
About adidas
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany. With over 59,000 employees worldwide, the company generated €21.4 billion in sales in 2023. Known for its innovation and commitment to performance, adidas continues to drive the fitness industry forward through collaborations, products, and events like LES MILLS LIVE.
About Les Mills
Les Mills is the global authority in group fitness, offering over 25 programs taught by 130,000 certified instructors across 22,000 gyms in 100 countries. Founded by four-time Olympian Les Mills, the company has been on a mission since 1968 to bring elite sports training to the masses. Today, its workouts are accessible via the LES MILLS+ streaming platform and through Virtual Reality, making fitness more inclusive and convenient than ever before.
The Future of Training Is Now
LES MILLS LIVE BERLIN was a glimpse into the future of fitness—where technology, community, and training unite to create transformative experiences. As the event moves across cities worldwide, it promises to inspire more athletes and fitness enthusiasts to join the movement, explore new workout styles, and embrace the joy of training. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there’s something for everyone as Les Mills and adidas continue to revolutionize the world of fitness.
